Military & Warriors · 20th Century
Douglas MacArthur’s Last Words
“I am an old soldier who has tried to do his duty.”— Douglas MacArthur, April 5, 1964
Who Was Douglas MacArthur?
Douglas MacArthur commanded Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II and oversaw the liberation of the Philippines. He later commanded UN forces in Korea before being relieved by President Truman.
The Final Moments
MacArthur died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. His final words were spoken to his nurse in his last lucid moments before slipping into a coma.
Are These Words Verified?
Hospital staff reported these or similar words from MacArthur's final lucid moments. The sentiment is consistent with his character, though precise wording varies slightly in different accounts.
Sources
- firsthand Walter Reed hospital staff accounts
- biography William Manchester, American Caesar (1978)
- newspaper Contemporary news reports, April 1964
Legacy
MacArthur's famous promise 'I shall return' and his rebuilding of Japan after World War II cement his place among history's great military leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Douglas MacArthur’s last words?
“I am an old soldier who has tried to do his duty.”
How did Douglas MacArthur die?
Douglas MacArthur died on April 5, 1964 at the age of 84. Cause of death: Liver and kidney failure.
Were Douglas MacArthur’s last words documented?
Hospital staff reported these or similar words from MacArthur's final lucid moments. The sentiment is consistent with his character, though precise wording varies slightly in different accounts.
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